Mildred Siabi-Mensah GNA
Akyempim (WR), June 8, GNA – Golden Star (Wassa) Limited has commenced the planting of more than 1000 species of tree seedlings within its operational areas in conserving and protecting the natural environment.
The seedlings are being planted around schools in the area with the participating schools termed as « Ambassadors » to promote good environmental practices as the company joined the world to mark World Environment day at Akyempim, in the Wassa District of the Western Region.
It was on the theme « Beat plastic pollution ».
Mr Shadrack Adjetey Sowah, General Manager of Golden Star Wassa Limited was unhappy about the indiscriminate disposal of plastics waste, adding that the « effect of disposing plastic are so obvious and visible everywhere. We need pragmatic actions and policies to avert any future mishaps ».
« Our landfills, drains, streets, homes are overpowered with plastics; plastics in the open seas are now forming islands, threatening wildlife and biodiversity » he said.
Mr Sowah said plastic waste could have so many uses rather than the single usage of buying and disposing it off and called for more innovative ways to beating the plastic waste and its health and environmental effects.
Mr Emmanuel Mark Koomson, Environmental Superintendent of Golden Star (Wassa) Limited stated that one third of the plastic packaging the individual uses escaped collection ending up in the streets and thereby clogging and polluting our natural environment.
He said it was therefore imperative for more schools, churches, mosques and other organizations to plant more trees to increase vegetation in the fight against plastics.
Mr Koomson entreated food sellers to revert to the use of leaves and natural products for food packaging to reduce the use of plastic.
« Our company, is committed in greening the environment by planting both timber and crop species across our operational sites. We are therefore encouraging the public to help green the environment by planting a tree today » he added.
The School ambassadors were also engaged in a quiz competition, followed by a clean-up exercise and a football game to round up the company’s activities.
JP/AD
